2003

2003

2003 Athletic Hall of Fame Recipients

Tuesday, April 8, 2003

Ira "Peanut" Philson, BA'94From 1990 to 1993, Ira L. Philson, known as "Peanut" to many, was a key member of the Creighton University men's soccer team that laid the foundation for success that continues to this day.

Arriving in 1990 to help restart the men's soccer program, Philson was part of a freshman class that ranks as one of the best in college history. By the time that group graduated four years later, they had played in two NCAA Tournaments, achieved a number one national ranking and won a pair of Missouri Valley Conference championships.

Philson's speed and athletic ability were his trademarks as he started 70 of 75 career games while earning all_MVC accolades in 1992 and 1993. A two-time All-Midwest Region selection, Philson was honored as the MVC Defensive Player of the Year in his senior year. In Philson's four-year career, the Bluejays posted a record of 57-14-6 while losing just one regular season game in MVC play.

In addition to his performance on the field, Philson was a fixture when it came time for CU student-athletes to visit elementary schools. He frequently led the children in song while stressing the importance of a positive attitude and the belief that anyone, regardless of circumstances, could accomplish anything.

After earning his bachelor of arts degree in May 1994, Philson stayed on as an assistant coach with the Bluejay men's soccer team until he was named head coach of the Creighton women's program in July 1995. In four seasons as women's head coach, Philson's teams went 38-32-3. Today, Philson is a professional healthcare representative with Pfizer Inc.

For his inspiring contributions to the Creighton men's soccer program, the Creighton Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is proud to induct Ira L. "Peanut" Philson into the Creighton University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Kelly Brookhart Prokupek, BS'93As a dominant left-handed pitcher and hitter, Kelly Jo Brookhart Prokupek was an outstanding softball athlete during her four years at Creighton University. Her tenacity and leadership were hallmarks of her success on and off the field.

Kelly thrived on competition. This was best exemplified when she pitched - in 12 hours - 58 1/3 innings, picking up the win in the longest game in NCAA history when the Bluejays won 1-0 in a 31-inning battle with Utah.

Under Kelly's leadership, the Creighton softball team won two conference championships and participated in three NCAA Regionals. Kelly holds several Bluejay career marks including games played (239), wins (71), pitching appearances (122) and starts (102).

A two-time, second-team All-American honoree, she holds the school record for consecutive scoreless innings pitched at 81 (seventh longest streak in NCAA history). Kelly was a two-time High Country Tournament Most Valuable Player, and she ranks in the top 10 in nearly every Bluejay career mark for both hitting and pitching.

Today, Kelly is married and the mother of three young children. She has inspired women softball players through her coaching activities at Creighton, Dana College and Iowa Western Community College. She also assists at numerous camps and clinics as she loves working with kids, developing a great rapport with them.

For her contributions to the Creighton softball program, Creighton's Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is proud to induct Kelly Jo Brookhart Prokupek into the Creighton University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Scott D. Servais, ARTS '88From his first day on the Creighton campus, Scott Servais had a tremendous impact on Creighton baseball, the Athletic Department and Creighton University. Scott brought instant credibility to the Creighton baseball program through his outstanding record. In 1985, as a high school senior, he was a second-round draft pick of the New York Mets (42nd overall), a member of the National Sports Festival Team and a USA Junior Team member at the World Championships.

While playing for Creighton, Scott was in the international spotlight as a member of the U.S. Olympic Team that won the Gold Medal in 1988. He also was a member of the USA Senior Team at the World Championships, the USA Pan American Team and the USA Intercontinental Cup Team in Cuba.

Scott ranks in the Creighton Top 10 for homers with 27. Off the field he scored high in the classroom, earning the 1988 Reinert Award for being the top male student athlete based on grades. He also was inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the National Jesuit Honor Society.

Scott went on to play professionally with the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants and the Colorado Rockies. He now works in the Chicago Cubs organization. His colleagues say he is the ultimate professional and a man of great character.

A devoted family man, he and his wife, Jill, have three children. Scott volunteers his free time for a number of organizations, clearly reflecting the Creighton credo of serving others.

For his remarkable contributions to the Creighton men's baseball program, the Creighton Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is proud to induct Scott D. Servais into the Creighton University Athletic Hall of Fame.